In fantasy football, a kicker’s points are awarded based on the real-life success of the player kicking field goals and extra points. A kicker scores points for successful field goals, with longer kicks typically earning more points. They also score points for successful extra points. What are the common point values for kickers in fantasy football? In standard scoring, a common kicker points system awards 1 point for a successful extra point, 3 points for a field goal made from 1-39 yards, 4 points for a field goal made from 40-49 yards, and 5 points for a field goal made from 50+ yards. Some leagues also offer points for kickers who make multiple field goals or score a certain number of points.
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Fathoming Fantasy Kicker Scoring
Fantasy football kicker scoring can seem straightforward, but a deeper dive reveals nuances that can significantly impact your team’s success. While the primary way kickers earn points is through successful kicks, the specific point values and bonus structures vary from league to league. This variability is crucial to grasp for effective fantasy football kicker strategy.
Standard Scoring Kicker
In a typical fantasy football league, the standard scoring kicker points system is the most common. Here’s a breakdown of how points are usually allocated:
- Extra Point (PAT) Made: +1 point
- Field Goal (FG) Made (1-39 yards): +3 points
- Field Goal (FG) Made (40-49 yards): +4 points
- Field Goal (FG) Made (50+ yards): +5 points
- Missed Field Goal: 0 points (though some leagues deduct points, this is less common)
- Blocked Field Goal: 0 points (again, deductions are rare)
These values are the bedrock of most kicker scoring. They reward the primary objective of the position: putting points on the board through kicking.
PPR Kicker Scoring and Variations
While “PPR” typically refers to points per reception for wide receivers and tight ends, the concept of variations extends to kickers as well. Some leagues might introduce bonus points or slightly alter the standard point values. For instance:
- Longest Field Goal Bonus: An extra point or two awarded for the longest field goal made in a given week.
- Multiple Field Goals Bonus: A small bonus (e.g., +1 or +2 points) for a kicker who makes three or more field goals in a game.
- Points for Distance Gaps: Some leagues might have more granular point systems for field goals, like awarding 3 points for 1-29 yards, 4 points for 30-39 yards, 5 points for 40-49 yards, and 6 points for 50+ yards.
- Defensive Scoring Impact: While not directly related to kicker points, a strong offensive team generally leads to more scoring opportunities for their kicker, indirectly increasing their fantasy relevance.
Always check your specific league’s scoring settings to know exactly how your kicker will earn points. This is the first step in developing a successful fantasy football kicker strategy.
Optimizing Your Kicker Selection
Choosing the right kicker can be the difference between a weekly win and a loss. It’s not just about picking the “best” kicker; it’s about selecting a kicker whose team offers the most consistent scoring opportunities and whose individual accuracy is reliable.
Kicker Projections: What to Look For
Kicker projections are your best friend when it comes to identifying top-tier fantasy kickers. When evaluating these projections, consider these factors:
- Team Offense: Look for kickers on teams with strong offenses. A team that moves the ball well and gets into scoring position frequently will provide more opportunities for field goals and extra points. Higher-scoring offenses often mean more extra points.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Teams that struggle in the red zone often settle for field goals. While this can be good for a kicker, a too inefficient offense might stall too often, limiting overall scoring. A balance is key.
- Home vs. Away Splits: Some kickers perform better at home due to familiarity with the stadium and conditions. While not a major factor for most, it can be a tie-breaker.
- Weather Conditions: Bad weather can affect kicking accuracy, especially for long field goals. Projections might account for this, but it’s worth noting for game-day decisions.
- Injury Situations: A team’s kicker can be affected by offensive line injuries or quarterback changes, which might limit scoring opportunities.
Kicker Value Fantasy Football
Understanding kicker value fantasy football is about maximizing your return on investment. Kickers are often the last players drafted, yet they can provide consistent weekly points.
- Late-Round Targets: In most drafts, kickers are selected in the final rounds. This is where you can find value without sacrificing early-round talent.
- Consistency over Ceiling: While a 50+ yard field goal is exciting, a kicker who reliably makes extra points and shorter field goals often provides more consistent fantasy points week in and week out.
- Avoiding Negative Points: If your league deducts points for missed field goals or blocks, a kicker with a history of accuracy is more valuable.
Kicker Draft Strategy
Your kicker draft strategy should be tailored to your league’s settings and your overall team-building philosophy.
Kicker Draft Strategy: When to Draft
The consensus among fantasy football experts is to wait until the very last rounds of your draft to select a kicker. This is because the difference in points between the top-tier kickers and those drafted later is often minimal compared to the difference in points between top-tier quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.
Here’s a typical draft approach:
- Fill Your Core Positions: Prioritize your starting lineup at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Build a strong foundation of talent.
- Consider Defense/Special Teams (DST): Many managers draft their DST before their kicker, as DST scoring can sometimes be more volatile and impactful.
- The Final Rounds: In the penultimate or final rounds, you’ll then select your kicker. Look at the remaining available kickers and consider their projected opportunities.
Kicker Waiver Wire Moves
The waiver wire is your lifeline for replacing underperforming players or filling in for bye weeks. For kickers, this means:
- Monitoring Weekly Performance: If your starting kicker has a bad matchup or is on a bye week, check the waiver wire for available kickers with favorable matchups.
- Targeting High-Opportunity Kickers: Look for kickers on teams that are expected to score a lot of points or struggle in the red zone, leading to more field goal attempts.
- Bye Week Planning: Kickers have bye weeks too. If you know your kicker has a bye week coming up, you might want to stash a backup kicker a week or two in advance if the waiver wire is thin.
Optimal Kicker Selection: Beyond the Basics
To truly optimize your kicker selection, go beyond just looking at projections. Consider the following:
- Matchups: A great kicker on a bad offense in a tough matchup will likely score fewer points than a slightly less-talented kicker on a high-powered offense in a favorable matchup.
- Home Field Advantage: While not a definitive factor, some kickers benefit from playing in domes or stadiums with predictable weather.
- Accuracy History: While field goal length is important, a kicker who is consistently accurate from various distances, especially the crucial 40-49 yard range, is invaluable.
Table: Sample Kicker Scoring Breakdown (Standard League)
| Kick Type | Distance | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Point (PAT) | N/A | 1 |
| Field Goal (FG) | 1-39 yards | 3 |
| Field Goal (FG) | 40-49 yards | 4 |
| Field Goal (FG) | 50+ yards | 5 |
| Missed Field Goal | Any | 0 |
| Blocked Field Goal | Any | 0 |
Table: Hypothetical Kicker Projections (Example)
| Kicker Name (Team) | Week 1 Projection | Week 2 Projection | Week 3 Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Tucker (BAL) | 8 points | 9 points | 7 points |
| Harrison Butker (KC) | 10 points | 8 points | 10 points |
| Tyler Bass (BUF) | 7 points | 11 points | 9 points |
Note: These are hypothetical projections and actual weekly scores will vary.
The Kicker’s Role in Fantasy Football
While often overlooked, the kicker plays a vital role in fantasy football. Their points are a steady source of scoring that can help you overcome opponents who might have volatile performances from other positions.
Kicker Value Fantasy Football: A Consistent Contributor
Kickers are one of the most consistent positions in fantasy football. Unlike running backs who can get injured, or wide receivers who can be shut down by a top cornerback, a kicker’s job is relatively stable. As long as the offense moves the ball, the kicker has opportunities.
- Weekly Points Floor: A good kicker provides a reliable floor of points, typically around 7-10 points per week in standard scoring, assuming they make their extra points and a couple of shorter field goals.
- Tie-Breaker Potential: In close matchups, a kicker’s points can be the deciding factor that swings your team to victory.
Kicker Draft Strategy: Avoiding the Overvaluation
A common mistake in fantasy football is overvaluing the kicker position. Drafting a kicker too early can mean missing out on a high-upside player at another position. The difference in points between the #1 drafted kicker and the #10 drafted kicker is usually small enough that the opportunity cost of drafting them early is too high.
- Focus on Upside Elsewhere: Prioritize drafting players with high ceilings, especially at skill positions. You can always find a serviceable kicker later.
- Drafting for Bye Weeks: If you are drafting very early in the draft season, consider the bye weeks. You might want to draft a kicker whose bye week is later in the season, or be prepared to pick up a streamer for your kicker’s bye week.
Kicker Waiver Wire: Smart Additions
When looking for waiver wire pickups for your kicker spot, consider these factors:
- Team’s Offensive Momentum: Is the team scoring more points recently? Are they moving the ball effectively?
- Opponent’s Defense: A defense that is good at stopping touchdowns but less effective at preventing field goals can be a great matchup for a kicker.
- Kicker’s Tendencies: Does the kicker have a strong leg for longer field goals? Are they reliable on extra points?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many points does a kicker typically score in fantasy football?
A1: In standard scoring, a kicker usually scores between 7-12 points per week, with exceptional performances sometimes exceeding 15 points.
Q2: Is it worth drafting a kicker early in fantasy football?
A2: No, it is generally not recommended to draft a kicker early. They are best selected in the final rounds of the draft due to the relatively small point difference between top kickers and later-round options.
Q3: What is the difference between standard scoring kicker and PPR kicker scoring?
A3: While “PPR” typically applies to reception-based scoring, for kickers, the term refers to the league’s specific point system. Most leagues use standard scoring for kickers, as outlined above. Some leagues may offer bonuses for longer kicks or multiple field goals, but reception-based points do not apply to kickers.
Q4: How do I find good kicker projections?
A4: You can find reliable kicker projections from various fantasy sports websites, reputable sports analysts, and fantasy football draft guides. These projections typically consider team offenses, opponent defenses, and historical performance.
Q5: Should I drop my kicker if they have a bad matchup?
A5: This depends on your league’s waiver wire depth and your confidence in your kicker. If there’s a kicker with a significantly better matchup available on the waiver wire, it might be worth making a switch, especially in close matchups. However, generally, kickers are consistent enough that you should stick with them unless there’s a compelling reason to change.
Q6: What are some key factors for optimal kicker selection?
A6: Optimal kicker selection involves considering the kicker’s team’s offensive firepower, their red zone efficiency, the opponent’s defensive strength against field goals, and the kicker’s own accuracy history.
Q7: How does a kicker’s value fantasy football change throughout the season?
A7: A kicker’s value can change based on their team’s offensive performance. If a team’s offense improves or declines, it directly impacts the opportunities for their kicker. Injuries to a team’s offensive line or starting quarterback can also affect a kicker’s fantasy value.
Q8: What is a good kicker draft strategy?
A8: The best kicker draft strategy is to wait until the last two rounds of your draft. Prioritize other positions first and select a kicker who plays for a good offense with plenty of scoring opportunities.
Q9: How do I use the kicker waiver wire effectively?
A9: Use the kicker waiver wire to replace kickers on bye weeks or to stream a kicker with a favorable matchup for a particular week. Always look for kickers on teams that are projected to score a lot of points.